Fewer than 40 ballots left to be counted in tight Newark Central Ward council runoff

Star-Ledger fileDarrin Sharif, left, and Charles Bell. A runoff race in the Central Ward of Newark is too close to call Tuesday night. The Essex

NEWARK — After reviewing dozens of provisional ballots, the Essex County Board of Elections have recommended under 40 ballots be counted today toward Newark’s hotly contested Central Ward runoff, according to county and campaign officials.

Challenger Darrin Sharif now stands with 25 more votes than incumbent Charles Bell. For Bell to retain his seat he would have to win roughly 80 percent of the remaining ballots.

"The commissioners of the board of elections are going to decide which ballots are valid and should be counted," said County Clerk Christopher Durkin. "They will open up those ballots, count those ballots and the election will be certified."

Wednesday morning there were 64 provisional ballots up for grabs, but the board eliminated many of them due to questionable signatures, residency conflicts, and lack of registration, officials said.

The board will convene at 5 p.m. today at the Essex County Hall of Records. Both campaigns and their lawyers will be on hand to witness the count. The public is welcome to attend.